Several Stars To Leave Royal AM, MaMkhize Comments

Royal AM have parted with Ricardo Nascimento, Lantshene Phalane, Mbhazima Rikhotso and, iDiski Times has learnt, with president Shauwn Mkhize confirming there will be several player departures.

There were reports that Royal AM players held a strike on Wednesday last week and from information gathered by this publication that was indeed the case, though coach John Maduka didn’t want to be drawn into the topic after their 1-0 defeat Swallows FC on Saturday.

“This is usually happening towards the end of the season at Royal AM when players are looking for signing on fees,” a close source told iDiski Times.

“Remember they are given half when the season starts and in the second half they are supposed to get another half. Now they want that money because some of their contracts are running out in June.”

President Shauwn ‘Ma’ Mkhize had already rebuffed the reports, saying she was disappointed and frustrated with the recent publication regarding her team’s situation.

However, this publication has learnt Phalane, Rikhotso and Nascimento have parted ways with the club over alleged financial issues. All three were not in Saturday’s match day squad, neither was Thabo Matlaba.

Meanwhile, it has been also been alleged they were other players who told the club they were sick or injured and couldn’t be part of the squad against Swallows, when apparently they were not and just using it as an excuse. It is expected that more players might leave.

When contacted for a comment on the player departures, president MaMkhize confirmed that several players will leave the club.

“I can confirm that there is a departure of several players, whose contracts have come to an end and will not be renewed by the club,” she told iDiski Times via a statement.

“I want to thank the players for their contributions to our team and wish them all the best in their future endeavors.”

With a lot going on at the club, a section of fans at Chatsworth Stadium held placards demanding Richard Makhoba, who is the club’s general manager, to be sacked.    

Royal AM, who are in danger of missing out of the top eight as they have dropped to 11th on the DStv Premiership table, will finish this season against Richards Bay at King Zwelithini Stadium on Saturday. However, they are three points behind eighth spot and have a -10 goal difference.